. Did you get that sense? Really what Michael appreciated over there was strength. () - Wikipedia It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. Petty Officer Monsoor's actions could not have been more selfless or clearly intentional. Medal of Honor - Michael Monsoor's Story | Military.com Death is everywhere. Two SEALs next to Monsoor were injured; another who was 10 to 15 feet from the blast was unhurt. A Navy Seal's Story Worth Remembering : NPR You tell the story of Michael improving himself and getting through BUD/S. Mikes gun is at the ready. She co-wrote a book with George Monsoor. Contact. You see those friendships that were deep in there. Rose, how did you get involved in helping write and shape this book? I thought that was just so powerful. Ramadi at the time was the epicenter of the insurgency in Iraq, a city filled with peril. The future USS Michael Monsoor, named for Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, on September. Graeme Brathwaite on LinkedIn: Clyde B. Jones Funeral Home and Versus USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be commissioned into Navy service. . Michael was so quiet. Michael A Monsoor | War on Terrorism (Iraq) | U.S. Navy | Medal of He entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated from Class 250 on September 2, 2004, as one of the top performers in his class. Not everyone can step in and do it that well, that fast. His funeral took place in October 12, 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.Other Navy SEALs lined the procession and slapped the trident devices from their uniforms to affix them onto the casket. AS ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASED, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR TOOK POSITION WITH HIS MACHINE GUN BETWEEN TWO TEAMMATES ON AN OUTCROPPING OF THE ROOF. We all hit those challenges in life and it's so easy to ring the bell which you do to get out of the BUD/S and SEAL training. As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army sniper overwatch element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent-held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. He attended Catholic Mass devotionally before operations, and often spoke lovingly of his family - his older brother, a police officer and former Marine for whom he held great respect; his sister, a nurse; and his younger brother, a college football player. I am far away from home. But I know that, he died doing something he loved. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. I try to honor his life and death by remembering his example and trying to emulate it because even when he was faced with some of the least September 22, 2018 | Arlington, WA | Military. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. He is a real leadership guru and was at the time. or redistributed. Monsoor was a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq in April 2006. Live Well Plan Well Rest Well A half day breakfast seminar on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the . His life and unfortunate death are inspiring. Being the wife of a SEAL, quitting is the worst thing you can ever do, and Michael quit. Taking Offense Religion, Art, and Visual Culture in Plural Configurations VIDEO: Navy Commissions Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Michael Monsoor "We were at a SEAL bar in San Diego called McP's, and we were having a wake for one of our guys that just died, I believe it was Michael Monsoor. The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to SEAL Team 3 Delta Platoon. BECOMING COUSTEAU Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan; COW Andrea Arnold, Kat Mansoor; FLEE Jonas Poher Rasmussen. The 40th annual San Francisco Fleet Week kicked-off Oct. 4 with ship arrivals bringing together the San Francisco community, Marines, Coastguardsmen and Sailors to . On September 29, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq was considered the most dangerous city on planet earth for American servicemen. On September 29, 2006, in the war-torn city of Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, or Mikey as we called him, smothered a grenade with his body to save three of his teammates. President Bush Attends Medal of Honor Ceremony for Petty Officer There were so many situations of people who are so moved by his act of charity that they too want to make an act of charity. Copyright 2023 Navy SEALs. Because why my brother and not me? Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Fausone: There are a number of lessons, and I think we hold these men who receive the Medal of Honor so highly that we can learn some lessons. Security services could have stopped Manchester Arena attack if they acted on intelligence, and bomber's own family 'holds significant responsibility' for his radicalisation, damning report finds You got a chance to talk to his Navy buddies before he became a SEAL and importantly after he became a SEAL and served in Iraq. The grenade exploded seconds later and Monsoor's body absorbed most of the force of the blast. Michael A. Monsoor | Military Wiki | Fandom Lord, protect my brothers above all else. FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY AND INTREPIDITY AT THE RISK OF HIS LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AS AUTOMATIC WEAPONS GUNNER FOR NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE TASK GROUP ARABIAN PENINSULA, IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM ON 29 SEPTEMBER 2006. People want to know everything all the time. Collectively it weighed more than 100 pounds. A brotherhood bound by sweat and blood and tears. Faith conquers all. Your parents and family are also remembered, as they too have borne the pain of your absence. So it just marries together so many wonderful stories and memories. MICHAEL A. MONSOOR In that split second, which is all that he had, he jumped on top of it and shielded the blast with his own body. She was 94 years old. They made him an honorary Chief because if he was alive, he still would have been. MASTER AT ARMS SECOND CLASS, SEA, AIR and LAND Fausone: Again, it's one of those things that demonstrates his character. I and the other members of SEAL Team Three, Task Unit Bruiser, had the honor of participating in the commissioning ceremony. His valorous conduct, exemplary leadership, and extraordinary self-sacrifice for his fellow service members have earned him the highest respect and gratitude of his fellow SEALs, the Navy, and our nation. Without hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, he threw himself onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying in close proximity. This SEAL Was There the Night Chris Kyle Says He 'Knocked Out' Jesse STEVE INSKEEP, host: The White House is about to bestow the highest military award on a Navy SEAL from Southern California. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously . Michael Anthony Monsoor (April 5, 1981 - September 29, 2006) was a United States Navy SEAL who was killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. AS A MEMBER OF A COMBINED SEAL AND IRAQI ARMY SNIPER OVERWATCH ELEMENT, TASKED WITH PROVIDING EARLY WARNING AND STAND-OFF PROTECTION FROM A ROOFTOP IN AN INSURGENT HELD SECTOR OF AR RAMADI, IRAQ, PETTY OFFICER MONSOOR DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY HIS EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF GRAVE DANGER. More importantly, how different groups whether it be at Fort Campbell or at Pendleton or in Norfolk, at churches, how wanted to make sure his name and his story in his sacrifice continued on. Rea: I think that is one of my favorite parts because even thinking about writing those words. His quiet demeanor and dedication to his friends matched the "Silent Warrior" SEAL mentality that was to become his calling in life. The moving military funeral of Navy SEAL Mike Monsoor-Truth! I served with him in the Military and I can tell you that he was humble and would do just about anything asked of him to help. "And when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten.. But there was more of a story there. April 5, 1981 - Sept. 29, 2006. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Mike and his fellow SEALs accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. They got him evacuated off the rooftop, and got him as fast as they could back to base, but that's where he passed away. This electronic book is available for free download and printing from www.homeofheroes.com. Commander, Navy Installations Command | 716 Sicard Street SE Suite 1000 | Washington DC, 20374-5140 Official U.S. Navy Website His life and unfortunate death are . All rights reserved. DDG 1001 TOP STORY. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for diving onto a grenade to save his teammates in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on September 29, 2006. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President George W. Bush to Monsoor's parents on April 8, 2008. Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, distinguished himself through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Combat Advisor and Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit named the "Michael A. Monsoor Battalion" based in Camp Pendleton, California. Instead, Monsoor chose to protect his comrades by the sacrifice of his own life. All of the older guys get fun jobs. THE ENEMY CONTINUED TO ASSAULT THE ELEMENT, ENGAGING THEM WITH A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. Once he and his men established a sniper overwatch position, he deftly transitioned to his role as a SEAL communicator calling in tank support and transmitting enemy situation reports to the 1-506 PIR Commander. Legal Statement. Fausone: I think that's the bonding that occurs that maybe the civilian population doesn't necessarily appreciate. Stealthy $4.6 billion Navy destroyer set to make its San Diego debut U.S. Navy file photo of the Medal of Honor certificate presented by President George W. Bush to George and Sally Monsoor on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. I am so proud to be a part of this Band of Brothers. Monsoor died on Sept. 29, 2006, and was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. For service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. Michael A. Monsoor | Detailed Pedia And Jesse Ventura was in thereI was at the other end of the bar, but he said something kind of derogatory toward us losing guys or whatever and . They had been through enough. From the US Navy: Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Anthony Monsoor. [12][13], For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Machine Gunner in Sea, Air, Land Team THREE (SEAL-3), Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, Task Unit Ramadi, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 9 May 2006. Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week. On the flip side, such gratitude. I enlisted because of people like him, because of people who are willing to fight and die for their fellow man. In the following transcript, Veterans Radio host Jim Fausone talks with Rose about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice. Forever the May Queen . Funeral. I thought that was beautiful and respectful. He chose them.. They flew him back over to do the honors. We're his siblings, just let us be. Rose Rea: Yes, it is a powerful one. One of them belongs to Michael Monsoor. The action for which he ultimately received the Medal of Honor occurred in September 2006 when he was on a rooftop post in Ramadi, Iraq and we'll tell that story. Legal Statement. He was only the second SEAL to die in Iraq since the war began. Navy SEAL Killed in Iraq Receives Medal of Honor : NPR Upon graduation from basic training, he attended Quartermaster "A" School, and then transferred to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy for a short period of time. Each time I read of Michael's sacrifice I'm so amazed & heartbroken. One of the lessons here that I think folks learned, and it's kind of interesting, is Michael had asthma as a kid and had to overcome all the medical challenges that go through childhood when you can't breathe when you have an asthma problem. Figure out what you need to do to get better and get through that challenge. He never gave up. [11] Monsoor became the fourth American servicemember and second Navy SEAL each killed in the line of duty to receive the United States' highest military award during the War on Terrorism. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. October 14, 2019 | Fort Sam Houston, TX. USS Michael Monsoor is the second of three Zumwalt-class destroyers ordered by the Navy. UNITED STATES NAVY I don't think any of us can sit back and think oh it's so easy for everyone else, but it's hard for us to see past our own difficulty sometimes. Market data provided by Factset. I mean this really is a story about Brotherhood and father/son. He was the ultimate teammate. Rea: It's so true. 'MI5 exists to stop atrocities. Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field. This was one of the last missions, which is just even worse. After the engagements, the local populace blocked off the roads in the area with rocks to keep civilians away and to warn insurgents of the presence of his Coalition sniper element. Around midday, the exterior of the building was struck by a single rocket propelled grenade (RPG), but no injuries to any of the overwatch personnel were sustained. A Fitting Tribute to a Slain Navy SEAL Gains Attention The following month, his rating changed from Quartermaster to Master-at-Arms, and he was assigned to Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 3.[3][7]. There was no other option for him. 200905-n-ph222-1319 The symbolic display moved many, included Bush, who during his speech in April's Medal of Honor ceremony spoke about the incident. or redistributed. His teammates recall his sense of loyalty to God, family, and his team. He attended Dr. Walter C. Ralston Intermediate School and Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, California and played tight-end on the school's football team, graduating in 1999. And death. He has an older brother James and older . Petty Officer Second Class Michael Anthony Monsoor was born April 5, 1981 in Long Beach, Calif. Michael . "The procession went on nearly half an hour," Bush said. Each time insurgents assaulted his team with small arms fire or rocket propelled grenades, he quickly assessed the situation, determined the best course of action to counter the enemy assaults, and implemented his plan to gain the best tactical advantage. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Michael Monsoor is the second Zumwalt-class destroyer to enter the fleet. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Installation Site Map And from a mother's perspective, it's heartbreaking. He will receive the award for his actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Sept. 29, 2006. He displayed great personal courage and exceptional bravery while conducting operations in enemy held territory at Ar Ramadi Iraq. Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. He was 25 years old. President Bush on Tuesday said, "The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. We were doing his wake after the funeral there. He was a boy. Michael Monsoor is a hero for all the world to know about and appreciate. I remember his mom telling me she said, "Michael you can't do everything," because he just continued to carry the extra load, the extra weight. USS Michael Monsoor, USS Coronado Arrive in Portland The 25-year-old California native died in 2006 . Surely there is a special place in God's realm for him. It's not always a religious thing, sometimes it's just that you have somebody safe you can express your fears with. Such an amazing man! The grenade hit him in the chest and bounced onto the deck. Some of details in the email are inaccurate.Petty Officer Second Class Mike Monsoor was a US Navy SEAL assigned to Task Unit Bravo in Ar Ramadi in Iraq. Michael Anthony Monsoor was born on 5 April 1981 in Long Beach, CA, the third of four children born to George and Sally Monsoor. During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was at the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route . For those of us who were there, that picture of Mike captures all of this. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Immediately, Monsoor yelled "Grenade!" The slaps were reportedly heard across the cemetery. As we approach the Anniversary of Mikey's sacrifice, I want to tell you about this man. [17], In October 2008, United States Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that the second ship in the Zumwalt class of destroyers would be named USSMichael Monsoor(DDG-1001) in honor of Petty Officer Monsoor. Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome, 1636. All rights reserved. Click to see a video showing the SEALs' tribute to Monsoor on YouTube. Aviation_Intel. Rest in peace, Michael Monsoor. IN THE EARLY MORNING, INSURGENTS PREPARED TO EXECUTE A COORDINATED ATTACK BY RECONNOITERING THE AREA AROUND THE ELEMENTS POSITION. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. 230216-NO146-2001GULF OF ADEN (Feb. 16, 2023) Sailors from Republic of Korea Navy ship ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin (DDH975) assist civilian mariners from France, Feb. 16, 2023. Though well-acquainted with enemy tactics in Ar Ramadi, and keenly aware that the enemy would continue to attack, the SEALs remained on the battlefield in order to carry out the mission of guarding the western flank of the main effort. A Warrior's Send Off | Officer He remained fearless while facing constant danger, and through his selfless nature and aggressive actions, saved the lives of coalition soldiers and his fellow SEALs. Michael A. Monsoor and Operation Kentucky Jumper Fausone: Well sometimes this arc is just perfect, and I think that was a good example of it. Michael was the closest one where he could have jumped away from it, but the other three could not have. Michael Anthony Monsoor (5 April 1981 - 29 September 2006) was a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War. The Navy's newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. You may print and distribute in quantity for all non-profit, educational purposes. Together, we live in dust and dirt and filth. PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 5, 2020) Seaman Davon Ramos, from New York, looks through binoculars while standing watch on the port bridge wing aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) during a vertical replenishment with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan (CVN 76). [2] His father also served in the United States military as a Marine. The unit symbol is composed of Petty Officer Monsoor's Medal of Honor, SEAL Trident, and Master-at-Arms shield. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. I believe I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Monsoor there. As his Task Unit Commander, I was asked to speak at a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., where his parents were presented with the Medal of Honor Flag. Home Haller Motorworx & Farm Equipment Magazine, AR 479 969-6464 On April 8, 2008, Master at Arms, 2nd Class Michael Anthony Monsoor (4/5/81 to 09/29/06) , a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade .